PM says economy is top priority in address to the nation

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says reviving the country’s economy is the top priority of his administration. In an address to the nation, he says the current global economic crisis, a fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, is likely to continue until the end of 2021, with Thailand’s economic performance inevitably connected to that of the rest of the world. He points out that only when the economies of other countries start to bounce back, can Thailand’s do the same.

He says his administration is now focused on getting the country back on its feet and ready to thrive once the worst of the pandemic is over. He adds that for this reason, he has invited outsiders with the necessary knowledge and expertise to join his cabinet. In introducing the new ministers, he says the recruits are from a cross-sector selection of society, who will work with him on a programme he’s calling, “Thais Unite to Build the Nation.”

The PM adds that he plans to meet with all sectors and offer them an opportunity to share how they believe the government should help them. He adds that he hopes to see Thai people of all political beliefs come together, setting aside partisan differences, and uniting to help the country.

“This us and them mentality should not exist in the present world. We must look forward to the future. The future is for people who are now 15, 20 or 30 years old. The most important thing today is social justice and equality under the law. We must stay above politics, because there are things which are more important waiting ahead of us. That is how to survive, how to help millions of people who are suffering from the Covid pandemic.”

To underline this idea, he points to the country’s apparent success in controlling the Covid-19 virus, saying this is largely due to everyone working together. The PM says if the Thai people can do the same during the current economic challenges, the country will prosper once more.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World